Exotic Aquatic Organisms - International Development Research ...

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The International Obligations of Australia
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) is probably the most important international agreement protecting endangered species
of plants and animals.
The governments of ninety three countries, including Australia, have now signed CITES.
Through CITES, these countries are trying to establish a worldwide network of controls on trade
in endangered species and species that could become endangered.
Within the member countries of CITES, Australia stands to the fore in providing protection
of its native animals and plants, in particular those that are endangered.
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat
(Ramsar Convention) aims to promote the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl, to establish
nature reserves on wetlands and provide adequately for their protection and wardening and to
promote training of personnel competent in the fields of wetlands research, management and
wardening. In addition, it aims to increase, through management, waterfowl populations on
appropriate wetlands.
Australia signed the Convention without reservation as to ratification in 1974 and became
the first country to do so. The agreement came into force internationally on 21 December 1975.
Regulations to implement this Convention in Australia were not needed since the
Convention imposes responsibilities which may be met either administratively or by action under
existing legislation.
A Working Group of the Council of Nature Conservation Ministers (CONCC)M) has been
established to advise on the implementation of the Ramsar Convention. CONCC)M has agreed
that the nomination of wetlands to the List of Wetlands of International Importance is the
responsibility of the individual States and the Northern Territory. The Australian National Parks
and Wildlife Service, which is the principal advisor to the Commonwealth Government on
national nature conservation and wildlife policies, provides the Convenor for the Working Group
and co-ordinates activities under the Convention, including submission of nominations for
wetlands to be added to the list (Appendix II) and the preparation of the national reports.
There are two international conventions in which Australia has an interest that serve as
models for regional co-operation in environmental conservation. Although there are some
important differences, the two can be seen as complimentary.
The Convention on Conservation of Nature in the South PacWc (Apia Convention) was
adopted in 1976 but has not yet entered into force. Australia intends to accede to
the Convention, which aims to take action for the conservation, utilization and
development of the natural resources of the South Pacific Region. Article V,
paragraph 4 states "Each contracting party shall carefully consider the
consequences of the deliberate introduction into ecosystems of species which
have not previously occurred therein".
The Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources and Environment of the
South Pacific Region (SPREP Convention) is not yet in force. Australlia signed the
Convention in 1987 but has not yet ratified it. Article 14 is concerned with
Specifically Protected Areas and the Protection of Wild Flora and Fauna. It aims
to "preserve depleted, threatened or endangered flora and fauna ... prohibit or